Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet Bay
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis), also known as bay laurel, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions such as itching. The use of bay leaves for itching is primarily based on folk and traditional practices, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Historically, bay leaves have been incorporated into topical preparations, baths, or poultices, where they are believed to possess soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itchiness and minor skin irritations. The essential oil contains compounds like eugenol and cineole, which are known for their mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions.
However, there is limited direct scientific research validating the efficacy of Sweet Bay specifically for the treatment of itching. Most available evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from the plant's broader use in traditional medicine. Some laboratory studies suggest that bay leaf extracts have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically benefit itchy or irritated skin, but clinical trials or robust scientific studies on this specific application are lacking. As such, while Sweet Bay is used traditionally for itching, its effectiveness is not strongly supported by modern scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Itching
Aloe veramyrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory
Other health conditions supported by Sweet Bay
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Cuts
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Emphysema
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rhinitis
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sinus Infection